Page Purpose
The purpose of this topic is to increase the knowledge of a clinician on available balance measures to use in the geriatric population. Details within the Berg Balance Measure will include, test description, population tested, efficacy, and other research found. All information found in this Wikispace can be found in further depth from the Works Cited section below.
Objectives
The reader will understand why to utilize the Berg Balance Test
The reader will understand what each component of the Berg Balance Test
The reader will learn the implications of scoring on tests and re-tests
The reader will learn the validity and reliability of this balance measure
The reader will understand when to and when not to use this measure
Berg Balance Test
The Berg Balance Scale (Berg) is a balance test consisting of 14 items utilizing a 5 pt. (0-4) scale and a maximum score of 56. The evaluation technique utilizes 14 different functional tasks to determine a patients static balance, functional limitations, and overall fall risk. The test does not require training to perform, but does require a stopwatch, chair with armrests, measuring tape, small object (to pick up from the floor), step stool and should only take 15-20 minutes. The time necessary to complete the assessment will depend on the clinicians proficiency in addition to the patient's cardiorespiratory endurance and cognitive status. Upon completion the clinician can develop a problem list based on weakness demonstrated by the patient, and then use this list to guide the therapeutic exercise program.
Berg Scoring
The minimal detectable change (MDC) for the Berg will depend on the patients initial score: 45-56 initial score requires a 4 pt. change; 35-44 initial score requires a 5 pt. change; 25-34 initial score requires a 7 pt. change; 0-24 initial score requires a 5 pt. change. For a patient living in a care facility who is dependent in ADL's, an 8 pt. change is the MDC. Using the MDC, a clinician can say with 95% confidence whether or not the patient is improving and determine if the patients plan of care needs to be changed based on patient improvement.
Patients Tested
The Berg can be used on patients of any age or with any pathology but the majority of validation research revolves around the geriatric population (+65) with various pathologies ranging from Parkinson's, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Osteoporosis, general weakness.
Validity
The Berg has been determined to have low sensitivity, but high specificity; a score of 45/56 to determine fall risk has also been validated. Multiple studies have determined a cutoff score of 45/56 to determine a patients functional ability and fall risk. It has been determined to have excellent intrarater and test-retest reliability across among patients affected by varying pathologies.
Items Assessed
Sitting to standing
Standing unsupported
Sitting unsupported
Standing to sitting
Transfers
Standing with eyes closed
Standing with feet together
Reaching forward with outstretched arm
Retrieving object from floor
Turning to look behind
Turning 360 degrees
Placing alternate foot on stool
Standing with one foot in front
Standing on one foot
To Use or Not to Use
Excellent test-retest reliability
Excellent intrarater reliability
High specificity, low sensitivity
Good for both community and non-community dwelling patients to determine fall risk
Requires a 8 pt. change for MCD
Easy to administer, only 15-20 minutes
Has been validated for various conditions (TBI, Stroke, Parkinson's, SCI, Elderly, OA)
"Berg Balance Scale." SpringerReference (2011): n. pag. Web.
Conradsson, and Lundin-Olsson. "Berg Balance Scale: Intrarater Test-retest Reliability among Older People Dependent in Activities of Daily Living and Living in Residential Care Facilities." Journal of Physical Therapy 87.9 (2007): 1155-163. Web. 5 July 2015.
"How Much Change Is True Change? The Minimum Detectable Change of the Berg Balance Scale in Elderly People." ResearchGate. Researchgate.net, n.d. Web. 05 July 2015.
"Rehab Measures - Berg Balance Scale." The Rehabilitation Measures Database. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 1989. Web. 05 July 2015.
Bogle Thorbhan. "Use of the Berg Balance Test to Predict Falls in Elderly Persons." Journal of Physical Therapy76.6 (1996): 576-83. Web. 5 July 2015.
Mancini, and Horak. "The Relevance of Clinical Balance Assessment Tools to Differentiate Balance Deficits." European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (2011): n. pag. Web. 5 July 2015.
The purpose of this topic is to increase the knowledge of a clinician on available balance measures to use in the geriatric population. Details within the Berg Balance Measure will include, test description, population tested, efficacy, and other research found. All information found in this Wikispace can be found in further depth from the Works Cited section below.
Objectives
Berg Balance Test
The Berg Balance Scale (Berg) is a balance test consisting of 14 items utilizing a 5 pt. (0-4) scale and a maximum score of 56. The evaluation technique utilizes 14 different functional tasks to determine a patients static balance, functional limitations, and overall fall risk. The test does not require training to perform, but does require a stopwatch, chair with armrests, measuring tape, small object (to pick up from the floor), step stool and should only take 15-20 minutes. The time necessary to complete the assessment will depend on the clinicians proficiency in addition to the patient's cardiorespiratory endurance and cognitive status. Upon completion the clinician can develop a problem list based on weakness demonstrated by the patient, and then use this list to guide the therapeutic exercise program.
Berg Scoring
The minimal detectable change (MDC) for the Berg will depend on the patients initial score: 45-56 initial score requires a 4 pt. change; 35-44 initial score requires a 5 pt. change; 25-34 initial score requires a 7 pt. change; 0-24 initial score requires a 5 pt. change. For a patient living in a care facility who is dependent in ADL's, an 8 pt. change is the MDC. Using the MDC, a clinician can say with 95% confidence whether or not the patient is improving and determine if the patients plan of care needs to be changed based on patient improvement.
Patients Tested
The Berg can be used on patients of any age or with any pathology but the majority of validation research revolves around the geriatric population (+65) with various pathologies ranging from Parkinson's, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Osteoporosis, general weakness.
Validity
The Berg has been determined to have low sensitivity, but high specificity; a score of 45/56 to determine fall risk has also been validated. Multiple studies have determined a cutoff score of 45/56 to determine a patients functional ability and fall risk. It has been determined to have excellent intrarater and test-retest reliability across among patients affected by varying pathologies.
Items Assessed
To Use or Not to Use
Works Cited